We know we all secretly wish that we had a limitless budget to explore the Mother City! Until we figure out how to do this, we’ll have to keep an eye on our budgets. We’ve hunted down a few fun things that you can indulge in, without feeling guilty about your spending.

1. Catch a Comedy Show at The Cape Town Comedy Club

Situated in the Pump House at the V&A Waterfront, you can get your dose of endorphins from top South African comedians including Alyn Adams, Nik Rabinowitz, and Dave Levinsohn. While you are enjoying the laughs, you can also order some food.

2. Catch a Movie under the Stars

The age of drive-in theatres are now a thing of the past, but the Galileo Open Air Cinema has put a fresh spin on outdoor movies. Imagine watching a movie at a wine farm. Or in Kirstenbosch Gardens! Other venues include the V&A Waterfront rooftop, Hillcrest Quarry in Durbanville, and various wine estates in Stellenbosch and Somerset West. They screen old classics and new blockbusters.

Online bookings: a standard ticket costs R70 | Warm ticket with blanket included R79 | Comfy ticket with chair included R88 | Warm & comfy ticket with chair and blanket included R95

3. Have a Beer at Perseverance Tavern

It’s not every day that you get to sip a beer at the oldest surviving pub in the country. The Perseverance Tavern poured its first beer in 1808 and has remained operational ever since. For 28 years it went under the radar and only became an official pub with a liquor licence in 1836.

You can buy a beer from R20.

4. Enjoy Theatrical Dining

This restaurant puts a new spin on “dinner and a show”. Your waitron will surprise you with their hidden talents. During the evening the waitrons spontaneously jump on stage and transform into a glitzy entertainer, wooing you with their sultry voices. If you are brave enough, and you know the lyrics, you can join them on stage!

You can determine your budget for the night, whether you simply want to pop in for a quick drink, or stay for a scrumptious meal.

Visit stardustcapetown.com  for more information.

5. Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens

A visit to this world-renowned botanical garden is a must! Nestled against the slopes of Table Mountain on the Southern suburbs side, it feels like a little tropical forest in the city. The gardens cover five out of the six South African biomes. Make sure you take a stroll to the top of the gardens and walk on the Boomslang walkway.

Entrance fees: R70 (adults) | R40 (students with valid SA card) | R20 (children 6 to 17 years) | Children under 6 have free access.

Visit the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens website for more information.

6. Explore the City on a Bicycle

There’s just something about getting on a bicycle that reconnects you with your adventurous side. This is a nifty way to explore the city from a unique perspective.

Bike hire: one hour costs R75 or two hours for R110 (if you want to go a little over your cheapie budget)

Visit upcycles.co.za for more information

7. Swim at the Long Street Baths

The Long Street Baths date back to 1908, a true historic gem. Although the interior has been upgraded, the original look is preserved. It has a 25m indoor heated pool that’s perfect for a quick morning or lunchtime workout session. The Turkish bath section has specific times dedicated to men and women. Tuesdays from 10:00 to 14:00 are exclusively for the ladies.

Turkish baths entrance R64 per hour or R120 per 4 hour session
Indoor pools entrance R23 (Adults) | R12 (Children) | free for pensioners
Hot baths/showers entrance R19 (Adults) | R19 (Children) | R19 (Pensioners)

Visit capetown.gov.za for more information.